Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association is seeking support for the Healthy and Active Lifestyles for Individuals with SCI program. GLASA will use sport and recreation as a tool to improve physical, social and emotional health outcomes for 80 individuals with SCI. 25+ sports programs will be offered and peer mentoring, nutrition education, and adaptive equipment lending will also be provided so individuals have the tools needed to succeed.

The program will feature measureable outputs and outcomes. GLASA will facilitate over 2,400 hours of sports programming and host 20 sport competitions to teach participants about teamwork, goal setting and sportsmanship. Peer relationships will be developed so individuals with SCI realize that life does not need to be limited by disability, and education programs will be facilitated so local communities become more informed about including individuals with SCI in community life.

GLASA expects that the program will have a significant impact: 80% of participants will report that GLASA has helped them to better accept their disability. 88% will report that GLASA has helped them to feel less socially isolated. 75% will report that they are exercising more often than they had previously and 90% of those who utilize GLASA's equipment lending program will report improved social relationships with family/friends due to increased community inclusion.

The program directly supports the Neilsen Foundation's Sport and Recreation focused work to empower those with SCI to live independently with greater emotional and physical well-being. The physical benefits of sport are well documented for all people, but for those with SCI, the physical benefits translate into independence. Individuals who are strong and fit have a better ability to push their wheelchair, transfer out of bed and carry groceries while at the store. Improved endurance allows individuals to have the stamina needed to have a job or go to school, and the social interactions provided through sport help to reduce isolation and improve self-esteem. Sport has the power to change lives, and GLASA will facilitate the impactful work. (CHN: COandI chn:wdg)